FIND convenes leaders in health for third Diagnostics Day

• FIND brings together leaders from government, industry and civil society at the Vieux Bois in Geneva.
• The Minister of Health for Indonesia, the State Minister for Primary Healthcare, Uganda and the Associate Minister of Health & Population for International Relations, Egypt, shared their experiences in implementing the Diagnostics Resolution.
• The Lancet Commission on Diagnostics launched an update of its 2021 report and recommendations.

On the sidelines of the 78^th World Health Assembly, FIND hosted its third “Diagnostics Day”. A full-day event convening global leaders in health to explore the state of the diagnostics gap and how best to close it.

Held at Vieux Bois, Geneva, this year’s programme focused on equitable access to diagnostics, women’s health, diagnostic and pandemic preparedness with a high-level ministerial discussion to showcase individual country progress in implementing the WHA76 diagnostics resolution.

Two years since the landmark WHA Resolution on diagnostics was adopted, Diagnostics Day 2025 offered a key moment to reflect on progress, identify challenges and set out priorities for action.

A diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to advancing diagnostics were in attendance, including Professor Orazio Schillaci, Italy’s Minister of Health and Dr. Michel Sidibé, African Union Special Envoy for the African Medicines Agency, underscoring a high-level and widespread commitment to diagnostics equity and access. To this engaged audience, speakers emphasized the need to safeguard investments in diagnostics and bring more impetus to efforts to close the diagnostics gap. A gap that continues to undermine progress in achieving UHC, gender equity, global health security and pandemic preparedness.

“Diagnostics Day 2025 is a testament to the growing global momentum behind access to testing for all. The dialogue, innovation, and examples shared today – especially from countries like Indonesia, Uganda and Egypt – will set the pace for the year ahead and support FIND’s mission to deliver quality diagnostics to everyone, everywhere,” said Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, CEO of FIND.

The day started with an account of the lived experience of people for whom access to diagnostics is essential, either to diagnose acute illness or for monitoring chronic conditions, underscoring the need for a patient-centered approach in the development and deployment of diagnostic innovations. Speakers from across the public and private sectors as well as civil society shared experiences, suggested innovations, described implementation successes, and highlighted residual barriers in the way of diagnosis for all.

Mr. Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Health of Indonesia, Ms. Margaret Muhanga, State Minister for Primary Healthcare, Uganda and Dr. Hatem Amer, Associate Minister of Health & Population for International Relations, Egypt, shared examples of homegrown solutions to some of the funding challenges facing global health, including models of innovative financing for health to deliver for patients.

Minister Budi also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to diagnostics, emphasizing the long-term benefits of early detection: “With proper screening, we can prevent disease and reduce future costs. That is why diagnostics are so critical, and why Indonesia launched an ambitious national screening programme this year. As ministers of health NOT sickness, our focus should be on keeping our population healthy first, not just treating them when they fall sick.”

Dr. Michael Wilson concluded the high-level session with the launch of the Lancet Commission on Diagnostics’ most recent report. He noted the encouraging headway made in transforming diagnostics access since the 2021 report as a result of sustained political will and highlighted the remaining gaps.

Professor Vernon Lee moderated the final session of the day, inviting panelists from Fiocruz, Brazil, the International Pandemic Preparedness Secretariat (IPPS), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Roche Diagnostics and FIND to share their perspectives on how to narrow the diagnostics gap for pandemic preparedness and response, and how best to ensure readiness before Day 1 of the 100-Day-Mission.

Dr Ayoade Alakija, Chair of the FIND Board, reflected on the great changes happening in global health, “Institutions like FIND must not only adapt to this new reality, but shape it. We have a responsibility to lead the way and forge a model that is sustainable, equitable and resilient. The world needs to shift to get more out of less, and the best way to do that is to invest in diagnostics.”

• Session 1: Without Diagnostics, Medicine is Blind: highlighted the current state of diagnostics and showcased the power of strategic investments and policies in transforming access.
• Session 2: Diagnostics for Women’s Health: explored innovative strategies and investments for improving access to essential diagnostics, focusing on the unique healthcare needs of women in resource-limited settings.
• Session 3: Addressing Today’s Diagnostics Challenges for Tomorrow: discussed FIND’s work to address diagnostics gaps and FIND’s impact on the ground.
• Session 4: High-Level Ministerial Side Meeting: engaged government leaders on national implementation of the WHA Resolution.
• Session 5: The Next Pandemic – What Should Happen Before Day One? Provided an overview of the gaps in diagnostics for pandemic preparedness and identified lessons learnt in the 100 Days Mission diagnostics roadmap.